Kadala, Charles D.Rwiza, Mwemezi J.Mwaijengo, Grite NelsonSawe, Shovi FuraeliMatab,Gordian Rocky2026-04-212026-04-212025-12-11https://repository.must.ac.tz/handle/123456789/554This Journal articles was published by Springer in 2025Heavy metal pollution in agro-mining zones threatens ecosystems and human health through bioaccumulation and food-chain transfer. This study assessed heavy metal pollution and associated health risks in the Likuyu River catchment by measuring concentrations of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). During the rainy season, samples of water, sediment, soil, and locally cultivated vegetables were systematically collected along a 22.7 km stretch of the river. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by flame atomicenArticle